The U of M has announced that Dr. Stephen Runge, an acclaimed pianist, professor and administrator, will assume the dual role of dean for the Desautels faculty of music and director for the school of art, effective May 1, 2025.
Runge brings over a decade of experience leading the department of music at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. At Mount Allison, he served in multiple roles which include head of department of music, professor of piano and the director of the Local Centre Examinations in music.
In recognition of his excellence in teaching, research and service, Runge received several awards, including a Paul Paré excellence award in 2010, the J.E.A. Crake award for excellence in teaching in the faculty of arts in 2014 and the Paul Paré medal which he received in 2020.
Runge’s musical journey began in Regina, Saskatchewan at the age of six, according to UM Today. He completed his bachelor of music at the University of Victoria, a master of music and doctorate of music in piano performance at l’Université de Montréal and an artist diploma at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Runge’s dedication to his craft has earned him national acclaim as a sensitive and versatile pianist, with his performance broadcast on CBC Radio Two and La Chaîne Culturelle de Radio-Canada. He has also received recognition for performances of chamber music and art song. Runge has completed recordings of major solo piano pieces of Robert Schumann — a 19th-century German composer, an album highlighting piano compositions from 1917 and a selection of English art songs with countertenor Daniel Cabena. In addition to his leadership and artistic accomplishments, Runge has contributed to music education. He has presented at conferences and workshops across Canada on topics such as performance practices, effective practice methods and teaching popular music. He currently serves as vice-president of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators’ Association.
“Please join me in extending congratulations to Dr. Runge on his appointment,” said Diane Hiebert-Murphy, provost and vice-president (academic) to UM Today. “Dr. Runge’s commitment to collaborative and collegial leadership, student experience, Indigenous achievement, EDIA and research and creative works excellence will well serve the Desautels faculty of music, the school of art and the U of M.”
As he prepares to join the U of M community, Runge expressed excitement about his new role to UM Today. “I am excited to join this dynamic and committed group of artists and musicians as we work together to build on our strengths and continue to offer transformative creative experiences to our music and art students,” he said.
Until Runge’s appointment with the U of M begins, Dr. Greg Smith, vice-provost (academic planning and programs), will serve as acting dean of the Desautels faculty of music and director of the school of art.
